Edwardian style as tennis club celebrates centenary

LEEK'S Abbey View Tennis is staging an Edwardian event to celebrate its centenary.

It will be held at the Park Road courts on Saturday, August 18, between 2pm and 6pm. Players are encouraged to wear period dress and it is hoped wooden rackets will be used The tournament is open to club members, friends and family - and players from other clubs are also invited Food and drink will be available on a bring and share basis and,weather permitting, there will be a barbecue.

If anyone reader has a wooden racket they would be willing to loan it to the club, they are asked to contact Colin Kinshott on 01538 361098.

The men's A team has finally recorded a win in the City and Suburban League, beating Stone A 3-1. However, the remain six points drift at the bottom of division one and will need a massive effort to avoid relegation.

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In division two, the mens B team have been on a winning streak with wins against Endon B (3-1), Florence B (2.5- 1.5) and Stone C ( 3-1).

But the run was halted last week when the team lost 4-0 at home to an outstanding Westlands who should easily win the division.

With four other matches finishing in draws, the B team lies sixth out of eight teams and, hopefully, will avoid relegation.

John Byrne and Ian Sales have played a major part in the team's performance by winning most of their games.

In division three, the men's D team are currently placed seventh out of eight teams, having recorded one win and two draws to date.

In the same division, the men's C team, despite losing three of their last four matches, are placed third with 26 points from 12 matches.

Last week, the team lost 3.5- 0.5 away to Basford B - a crack team that could easily play at a higher level.

The ladies division has finished with the Abbey View coming third out of five teams. They were beaten by Draycott and Basford, who finished with the same number of points but were well ahead of Florence and Endon.

In the Staffs County league, the only recent fixture has been in mens division two north, in which the men's B team lost 4-0 at home to a very strong Draycott B. Ian Sales and John Byrne came close to gaining a point, but in the end Draycott were too good. Dave Williamson and Julian Keen put a lot of effort into the morning with nothing to show for it.

With the school holidays well under way, the club is offering coaching with Matt Chandler to help relieve boredom.

There will be a mini-tennis sessions for five to eight year olds from 9.15am until 10am; a beginners session for nine years plus, from 10am until 11am; and an improvers session for 10 to 15 years olds, from 11am until 12 noon.

The cost of the courses vary from £4 to £10 depending on club membership and length of course.

The courses are on August 6, 7, 12, 13, 14, 19, 20 and 21.

Places can be booked through Brenda on 01538 383467 or just turn up on the day.